MAHAMED Mahamed has been named in the British team for this month’s IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

The Southampton AC star is one of six in the senior men’s squad for the championships in Aarhus, Denmark on March 30.

His younger brother Zakariya Mahamed, 18, is the under-20 Cross Challenge champion and has been awarded his first British vest after being included in the men’s junior squad.

Both boys are coached by Peter Haynes at Southampton AC, having taken up athletics during their time at Cantell School after moving to England in 2011.

Daily Echo: Mohamed and Zak Mohamed during their school daysMohamed and Zak Mohamed during their school days

They grew up chasing off wild animals while protecting herds of cows, sheep and goats in Ethiopia.

Mahamed has already been likened to Mo Farah, who emigrated from Somalia. They also hope to follow in the footsteps of their compatriots Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele.

Team leader Rob Denmark said: “I’m really excited that we are able to have selected a full team for the World Cross Country Championships that we feel can challenge some of the world’s best Cross Country runners on a tough course in Aarhus.

“We have opted to select full teams in the senior races as we feel it will enhance our bid for a top six team finish and given the nature of the course, will give Great Britain & Northern Ireland the best possible chance of doing so.

"Additionally, we feel that the course in Aarhus will provide another perfect development opportunity for our U20 athletes moving into the summer track season and a fundamental development area as they progress through the age groups.”